8 best brass trombone mutes

Brass trombone mutes are essential accessories used by trombonists to alter the instrument's sound and create different tonal effects. Mutes are typically made of various materials, including brass, aluminum, or plastic, and they can significantly influence the timbre and volume of the trombone.

Here are some common types of brass trombone mutes:

  1. Straight Mute: This is the most common type of mute used in trombone playing. It consists of a conical or cylindrical shape and is inserted into the bell of the trombone. Straight mutes produce a muted, focused sound, often used for producing a bright and piercing tone.

  2. Cup Mute: Cup mutes have a cup-shaped design that partially covers the bell of the trombone. They produce a warm and mellow sound, often used in jazz and ballad performances to achieve a softer, more lyrical tone.

  3. Bucket Mute: Bucket mutes are similar in shape to a straight mute but have a large, bulbous bottom. They create a unique, muted sound quality that is ideal for achieving a "wah-wah" effect, commonly used in jazz and big band music.

  4. Plunger Mute: Plunger mutes are not the same as sink plungers but are designed to be held by the player's hand over the bell of the trombone. By manipulating the position of the plunger, trombonists can create a wide range of expressive and vocal-like effects.

  5. Practice Mute: Practice mutes are designed to reduce the volume of the trombone significantly, making it more suitable for quiet practice sessions. They are often used by trombonists who need to practice in situations where loud playing would be disruptive.

  6. Harmon Mute: While primarily associated with trumpets, the Harmon mute can also be used with trombones. It consists of a stem and a cup and can produce a unique, muted sound with a distinctive metallic buzz.

Brass trombone mutes play a crucial role in adding variety and expression to a trombonist's performance. They allow musicians to create different tonal colors and textures, making them valuable tools for both classical and jazz trombonists. The choice of mute depends on the desired sound and the musical context in which it is being used.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best brass trombone mutes on the market
  

Yamaha SB5XC Silent Brass System for Trombone

Yamaha

Based on 72 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Brass instruments can be loud, but Yamaha devised a way for horn players to practice while listening to hi-fidelity sound that is only audible to the performer. The innovative, award-winning SILENT Brass systems provide musicians with the ultimate practice tool, ideal for use in any silent practice or warm-up situation. The popular SILENT Brass systems have evolved through innovative advances in sound technology and construction. The systems offer a more comfortable and realistic experience than ever before. The smaller, lightweight design of the new pickup mute offers outstanding sound reduction and provides a natural playing feel, stable pitch and overall retention of the basic playing characteristics. The mute features Brass Resonance Modeling trade a leading-edge technology that delivers superior and realistic brass instrument sound. Another system component, the compact Personal Studio trade ; unit, includes a headphone jack and allows for easy attachment of an external audio player in order to practice with prerecorded material. SILENT Brass systems can also enhance recordings and provide live sound reinforcement. ldquo The new Yamaha SILENT Brass will change the way brass players approach playing with a practice mute rdquo ; said Jonathan Goldman, product manager, Wind Instruments, Yamaha Corporation of America. ldquo ; Brass Resonance Modeling provides the most realistic sound ever created by an electronic mute. Combine this new technology with a high quality practice mute that has impeccable intonation and balanced resistance and you get a mobile practice studio perfect for home, backstage, hotel rooms and even airplanes. Rdquo ; Features: Dramatic sound reduction Natural playing feel Stunning, engaging, satisfying sound Audio input for practicing with recordings Audio output for recording and performing

  • Model: SB5XC
  • Dramatic sound reduction
  • Natural playing feel
  • Stunning, engaging, satisfying sound
  • Audio input for practicing with recordings

User questions & answers

Question: How heavy is the mute? Is it uncomfortable? I remember that being a complaint about the old versions
Answer: Just buy two mutes
Question: Whats the biggest bell size this fits into
Answer: I can't vouch for Amazon's description that might have implied that this would work on bass trombone but Denis Wick recommends its DW5509 mute for use on bass t-bone.
Question: Will this model (sb5xc) fit both tenor and bass trombone
Answer: Hey Josh, this mute comes about 1.5 inches out of my conn 88h bell, so it usually wouldn't fit in most cases, unless you're using a gig bag I imagine.
Question: My daughter is in the 4th grade and brand new to band. Will the mute interfere with her beginner learning? I'm nocturnal. We need something
Answer: Yes. This mute fits perfectly in a large bore F-attachment trombone.

Pro Tec ML204 Liberty Tenor Trombone Compact Aluminum Practice Mute

Based on 99 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Protec’s Liberty aluminum mutes are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and materials, excellent playability, while being value priced. Compact practice mutes are practically free-blowing and allow horn players to quietly warm up before a performance and are small enough to store inside a bell. Available for tenor trombone, trumpet (Protec Model# ML203), and bass trombone (Protec Model# ML205).

  • High-quality material and construction
  • Long-lasting cork
  • Free-blowing and well-balanced
  • Value-priced
  • Stores inside of bell

User questions & answers

Question: Will the bass bone version fit in a .547 tenor
Answer: Yes...this will work great...
Question: will this work for a large bore bach trigger trombone
Answer: Here is a link to Yamaha showing the Yamaha models this will work on. These are pretty much standard in size bells and work on my brands of trombones, The bell size for your pbone is 8" and I don't see where you would have a problem. https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/winds/silent_brass/silent_brass/compatibility_table.html#product-tabs
Question: Will this mute fit a Kanstul 1525 Flugelhorn
Answer: I have a Bach and yes it works.
Question: Is it softer than a silent brass system
Answer: Yamaha never came out with a SB5XC. Prior to the SB5X series was the SB59 and then later the SB59C. The "C" stood for an extra 1/8" male to 1/8" male cable that Yamaha provided so that you could hook up your CD or MP3 player to the ST9 Module. When the SB5X model come out the still included this extra cable. So the SB5X has the extra cable the and the SB5X-2 does not. Again, Yamaha never listed the new SB5X with a C. If you are see that somewhere, it is a seller that has created that that model number not Yamaha. I am a authorized dealer with Yamaha for 14 years and know this particular product line very well.
Question: Could this be used with a Yamaha tenor trombone
Answer: I am just barely able to get my hand in to clean. If you have large or very large hands, that’ll be a “no.” The handle is about 1” in diameter. I find it a very comfortable grip size.
Question: Will this work with the jiggs pbone plastic trombone (pbone is distributed worldwide by conn-selmer
Answer: Yes, it will do that. I have mine on a Wemo switch, connected with my alarm. When I turn the alarm off, the water begins heating in the kitchen and is usually finished just as I get there. I also tied the switch into Google Home and can say "... make me some tea" to get it going. Because I am a dork. It works so long as the pot is full, switched on and the Wemo switched off. When I forget... it's a sad day.
Question: Will this mute work with Bach trombones
Answer: No persistent plastict contact with water, but the plastic top contacts water when you empty the kettle.
Question: What is the difference between this (sb5x2) and the sb5xc model? (not the sb5x, which mrsilvertrumpet explains already, but the model with the "c
Answer: China. This appears to be a bait and switch- all advertising, including on Mueller website implies European made. Sure, they don’t specifically claim it is made in Austria, just that there is no way to know prior to buying this. Of course if you want Chinese made there are tons of options out there. Why limit yourself to this one?

Product features

Practice without disturbing others

Every SILENT Brass system starts with an advanced Practice Mute that reduces the sound that comes out of your horn to a whisper. You can play at night, in a dorm room or apartment, or even in a hotel without disturbing your family or neighbors.

Hear yourself playing

A microphone inside the mute captures your sound and sends it to the Personal Studio receiver. Plug in the included earbuds or your own favorite headphones to hear yourself at full volume.

Amazingly natural sound

Yamaha added digital technology to make the sound you hear in the headphones incredibly realistic, just like what you'd expect if you were playing normally. It's so natural you might even forget you're using a mute at all!

Play along with your favorite songs

Use the AUX IN jack on the Personal Studio to connect an audio player, smartphone, or other music source. You'll hear both your own playing and the music through the headphones - perfect for playing along with recordings or "minus one" practice aids.

Denis Wick DW5505 Trombone Straight Mute,Silver

Denis Wick

Based on 254 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Denis Wick offers a range of mutes to suit all players and playing situations. British-made Denis Wick mutes are acclaimed worldwide for their sound quality, intonation in all dynamic ranges and superb workmanship.

  • Denis Wick mutes are acclaimed worldwide for their sound quality, intonation in all dynamic ranges, and superb workmanship
  • High-purity spun aluminum
  • Scotchbrite finished
  • Have brilliance and carry power
  • Have excellent intonation

User questions & answers

Question: Is this mute made of metal
Answer: No, The bell throat sizes of the the 2 horns are very different and it will not fit
Question: Does it come with a case
Answer: Works well with Large bore trombones...just do not cram it too far into the bell...sometimes if the cork swells it might get a little stuck...but you should be able to get it out easy enough. Great warm up mute!!!
Question: My grandson asked for a B-Flat Trombone mute. Since I can't find the B-Flat one, I'm assuming this will work
Answer: I think it should, it's pretty small - it fits well into my trombone bell.
Question: will these work on my product
Answer: Yes it's softer than a Silent Brass mute, but it's really only suitable to use as a warm up mute - it's WAY too stuffy and out of tune to be used as a practice mute, in spite of how it's advertised. It does, however, mute the sound quite well and it's very lightweight; I use it often to warm up in situations where I don't want to disturb others. I also have a Silent Brass system and it's a true practice mute - the electronics allow you to listen to yourself and play along with an MP3 player using headphones. The drawback of Silent Brass is it's quite heavy and you get tired rather quickly while using it. The e-Brass / Best Brass system might serve both purposes much better, but it's quite expensive. Pick your poison!

PAMPET Trombone Straight Mute (Trombone Mute)

Based on 210 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Outstanding beautiful French Horn Straight Mute effect ABS straight mutes offer a special warm tone color unmatched by other materials, especially in soft dynamics. t Included in the many Stone lined Mute features that allow the outstanding colors of sound is the secret formula used to line each and every lined Mute.

  • Perfect intonation and even response in all registers
  • Trombone mute is designed and tested to perform evenly in all registers
  • mute produces a distinct, muted sound throughout the natural range of the instrument
  • Perfect mute for music lovers to practice or warm up quietly at home or before performance

User questions & answers

Question: Would this fit a baritone horn
Answer: We have gotten the denis wick straight mute and cup mute for trombone, neither one came with a case. the description of the DW5507 is the same presentation as the ones we purchased. My son is very pleased with the mutes we purchased, said they are very good.
Question: Is this a silencer mute
Answer: Make sure it's the type of mute he needs. Straight mute, cup, bucket, etc. This is a practice mute. If that's what he is looking for, yes this will work. If not..shop around.
Question: This is a practice mute. Not for performing
Answer: If your “product” is a trombone, yes it will !

PAMPET Trombone Mute French Horn Practice Mute

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Choice of the world's finest professionals

  • Allows a player to practice almost anywhere
  • Choice of the world's finest professionals

User questions & answers

Question: why does it say french horn
Answer: It is located on the bottom next to the battery compartment.
Question: will this mute work for flugelhorns
Answer: No, you will need to string and tune. I suggest using YouTube or just searching online on how to set up violin.

Denis Wick DW5529 Cup Mute for Aluminum Tenor Trombone

Denis Wick

Based on 119 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Denis Wick cup mutes have the perfect intonation that has become the hallmark of all Denis Wick mutes, with the added bonus that the cup position can be adjusted to give exactly the desired sound quality-for microphone, solo, or section playing. The trombone and bass trombone models have absolutely no bad notes and respond evenly in all registers.

  • British Made
  • Denis Wick cup mutes are acclaimed worldwide for their sound quality, intonation in all dynamic ranges, plus superb workmanship
  • Adjustable cup position
  • Gives clear sound quality for microphone, solo or section playing
  • Lower register notes are easier to obtain

User questions & answers

Question: With the cup section removed, is this a good enough straight mute for large ensemble work
Answer: Yes. This mute fits perfectly in a large bore F-attachment trombone.
Question: It says it's for aluminum trombones. Will it also work with brass trombones
Answer: This is definitely the mk II model.
Question: what kind of trombone is this mute for
Answer: Hi David! Yes, it should fit. Diameter of the small end is 1 3/4". Worst case, you may have to add additional foam to make it tighter in the bell. These are amazing mutes! Happy Holidays! DirectSales14
Question: Does this mute stick out far out of the bell? I'm wondering if it'll fit in my case in the bell
Answer: i am sorry , it not fit baritone horn
Question: Does it fit a large bore F-attachment trombone
Answer: yes
Question: Is this the mk i or the mk ii model
Answer: That is correct. My daughter found out the hard way...this is for practice only, not performance.
Question: What is the diameter of the small end of the mute. I want to use a mute in my King 1124, bell-front baritone horn. Will this fit it
Answer: Yes, it is made of metal. It is also a very good practice mute with very good intonation.

Humes and Berg Stonelined Pixie Straight Aluminum Red/White Trombone Mute (163)

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stonelined Pixie Str. Alum. Red/White Trombone Mute

  • Also known as a "Pocket Mute"
  • The growl will give everyone goose pimples
  • Use it together with a Trixie Plunger Mute for the perfect combination.

User questions & answers

Question: What are the dimensions, please? (length, and diameter at the large end.)? - thanks
Answer: Hi David! Yes, it should fit. Diameter of the small end is 1 3/4". Worst case, you may have to add additional foam to make it tighter in the bell. These are amazing mutes! Happy Holidays! DirectSales14
Question: Does this mute stick out far out of the bell? I'm wondering if it'll fit in my case in the bell
Answer: Yes...this will work great...
Question: Does it fit a large bore F-attachment trombone
Answer: Here is a link to Yamaha showing the Yamaha models this will work on. These are pretty much standard in size bells and work on my brands of trombones, The bell size for your pbone is 8" and I don't see where you would have a problem. https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/winds/silent_brass/silent_brass/compatibility_table.html#product-tabs
Question: Is this the mk i or the mk ii model
Answer: I have a Bach and yes it works.
Question: What is the diameter of the small end of the mute. I want to use a mute in my King 1124, bell-front baritone horn. Will this fit it
Answer: Yamaha never came out with a SB5XC. Prior to the SB5X series was the SB59 and then later the SB59C. The "C" stood for an extra 1/8" male to 1/8" male cable that Yamaha provided so that you could hook up your CD or MP3 player to the ST9 Module. When the SB5X model come out the still included this extra cable. So the SB5X has the extra cable the and the SB5X-2 does not. Again, Yamaha never listed the new SB5X with a C. If you are see that somewhere, it is a seller that has created that that model number not Yamaha. I am a authorized dealer with Yamaha for 14 years and know this particular product line very well.
Question: Could this be used with a Yamaha tenor trombone
Answer: You have to have what the industry calls "phantom power" to power the microphone that is in the mute. So just connecting headphones to the output jack of the mute will NOT produce any sound in your ears. Nor will connecting the mute to an amp. STX-2 module is designed to create the power to make the microphone work. Buying the STX-2 module the PM5X mute separately is more expensive then buying the two already together in the SB5X-2 bundle. I've been selling these system since 2003 and I'm the leading authority on the Silent Brass systems by Yamaha.
Question: Will this work with the jiggs pbone plastic trombone (pbone is distributed worldwide by conn-selmer
Answer: Yes, the cup section will remove and become a straight. mute. I am very please with it and use in in a jazz band playing big band music. Works great but sometimes it is cumbersome to change quickly from one to the other.
Question: Will this mute work with Bach trombones
Answer: It's for brass trombones. Somebody didn't word the description correctly. It'll work for pretty much any normal tenor trombone. I think they make bigger ones for bass trombones.
Question: What is the difference between this (sb5x2) and the sb5xc model? (not the sb5x, which mrsilvertrumpet explains already, but the model with the "c
Answer: This mute is for a tenor trombone.. The front cup slides off and becomes a straight mute. It is made of some type of metal and works excellent for me. Very good quality...would recommend this mute to any avid trombone player.

Product features

Practice without disturbing others

Every SILENT Brass system starts with an advanced Practice Mute that reduces the sound that comes out of your horn to a whisper. You can play at night, in a dorm room or apartment, or even in a hotel without disturbing your family or neighbors.

Hear yourself playing

A microphone inside the mute captures your sound and sends it to the Personal Studio receiver. Plug in the included earbuds or your own favorite headphones to hear yourself at full volume.

Amazingly natural sound

Yamaha added digital technology to make the sound you hear in the headphones incredibly realistic, just like what you'd expect if you were playing normally. It's so natural you might even forget you're using a mute at all!

Play along with your favorite songs

Use the AUX IN jack on the Personal Studio to connect an audio player, smartphone, or other music source. You'll hear both your own playing and the music through the headphones - perfect for playing along with recordings or "minus one" practice aids.

Yamaha Trombone SILENT Brass Mute Only (PM5X)

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Yamaha SILENT Brass practice mute fits inside the bell of your brass instrument and reduces the sound that comes out of your horn to a whisper. You can use the mute all by itself as an extremely high-quality normal practice mute, or pair it with a SILENT Brass system or an STX-2 receiver unit to hear yourself playing at full volume.

  • Please note: This is the practice mute ONLY, without the Personal Studio receiver unit or headphones.
  • The mute offers superior muting performance, excellent intonation over a wide pitch range, and natural playability.
  • The compact and lightweight mute can be stored inside the bell of most trombones even inside the case, making it easy to store and transport.
  • Fits trombones with bells up to 8.5" diameter.

User questions & answers

Question: Can i use head phone for practice
Answer: Hey Josh, this mute comes about 1.5 inches out of my conn 88h bell, so it usually wouldn't fit in most cases, unless you're using a gig bag I imagine.

Latest Reviews

View all